This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 2:32 pm and is filed under Hammocks, History. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
The Discovery of the Hammock
, 06 10th, 2008
Christopher Columbus is often credited as the first to “discover” the hammock, but its use reaches far before his time. Most believe the hammock originated around 1000 A.D. The exact details of its invention have been the topic of debate for hundreds of years. Many believe it came from the Mayans, who are known for advanced mathematicians and astronomers, while others theorize it was actually from the natives of Haiti.
The usage of the hammock, however, spread quickly throughout the Americas. Natives of both North and South America found hammocks to adapt to all climates. Migration to follow game and warm weather could quickly be done by simply taking the beds from their supports and moving on. Once a suitable living area was found, they could be reassembled and ready for use just as effortlessly.
Hammocks used by the peoples of these continents were often made of natural fibers. Some utilized animal hides to create their sleeping devices. Hammocks were the perfect beds for outdoor living, as the mesh allowed air to deter humidity and any small animals would simply fall through the gaps between the fibers.
The hammock became a necessity at sea for countless sailors over time. It was quickly utilized by seafarers as more convenient and easier to care for than an actual bed. It was also used by the prison system in Britain for its space-saving abilities and easy storage.
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